Oxford Cambridge and RSA
Unit Title:
Conduct priority and volume investigations (CI101)
OCR unit number:
500/8021/0
Level:
3
Credit value:
5
Guided learning hours:
50
Unit purpose and aim
This unit is about conducting investigations for priority and volume investigations and is applicable
to the investigation of all types of priority and volume incidents. Candidates will need to be able to
gather and assess the available information and intelligence, conduct a risk assessment, identify
and preserve the initial scene(s), and identify and deal with material. They must also be able to
develop initial lines of enquiry and deal with any victim(s), witnesses and suspects appropriately. In
addition, they will need to ensure that the appropriate people are briefed about the status of the
investigation to maintain continuity.
Learning Outcomes
Assessment Criteria
The Learner will:
1 Know and understand the
legal and organisational
requirements in relation to
conducting priority and
volume investigations
The Learner can:
1.1 Describe the legislation,
policies, procedures,
codes of practice in
relation to conducting
investigations.
Knowledge, understanding
and skills
This may include:
 P.A.C.E. & Codes of
Practice
 SOCaP Act
 Human Rights Legislation.
1.2 Explain what support
should be provided to
victim(s), potential
witnesses and suspects.
Support may include:
 Information
 practical assistance
 safety and protection
 medical help.
1.3 Outline the types of
investigation that are
within their limits of
responsibility.
Investigations may include:
 Initial investigations
 Volume crime
 Extended investigations.
1.4 Specify the restrictions that Examples of disclosure
apply to the disclosure of
restrictions may include those
contained within:
sensitive information.
 SOCaP Act
 P.A.C.E. & Codes of
Practice
 Human Rights legislation
 Criminal Procedure and
Investigations Act 1996.
© OCR 2010
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Learning Outcomes
2
3
2
Know and understand the
professional practice
applicable to conducting
priority and volume
investigations
Be able to conduct priority
and volume investigations
Assessment Criteria
Knowledge, understanding
and skills
1.5 Explain the purpose and
importance of risk
assessments within the
context of priority and
volume investigations.
This may include:
 Conducting risk
assessments
 Assess factors that may
impact on the investigation.
2.1 Recognise the impact of
crime and criminality upon
the community.
Impact on the community may
include:
 Increased fear of crime
 Loss of quality of life
 Impact on community
cohesion.
2.2 Describe the
characteristics of crimes
and how they are
committed.
Examples of this may include:
 Modus operandi
 Using violence
 Use of a weapon, firearm or
other article
 Repeat crimes
 Serial offender
 Linked crimes.
2.3 Describe the investigative
process including the
activities and decision
making required to
progress an investigation.
This may include:
 Initial investigation
 Preservation of scenes and
evidence
 Witness interviews
 Use of specialist services
such as forensics, SOCO
 Use of intelligence
 Suspect interviews.
2.4 Explain how applying an
investigative mindset can
contribute to the
investigative process.
This may include:
 Utilising all investigative
techniques and methods
 Considering the
investigation from a
suspects point of view.
3.1 Investigate the incident
ensuring that they
understand it’s nature.
Examples of this may include
the use of:
 Witness testimony
 Intelligence sources
 Scene examination
 House to house enquiries
 Use of technology eg CCTV
 Forensic science.
© OCR 2010
Learning Outcomes
© OCR 2010
Assessment Criteria
Knowledge, understanding
and skills
3.2 Identify the need for any
additional support (eg
specialist, line
management, external
agencies) and take
appropriate action to
minimise risk.
Support may include:
 Colleagues
 Specialist services
 Members of the public
 Intelligence sources
 Local authority services
 Government agencies.
3.3 Identify and deal
appropriately with victims,
suspects and potential
witnesses, assessing the
factors likely to impact on
the investigation (eg
vulnerability, language,
culture, lifestyle,
repeat/linked incidents).
Examples of the factors may
include:
 Vulnerability
 Language
 Culture
 Lifestyle
 Repeat/linked incidents
 Domestic circumstances.
3.4 Identify and take the
necessary steps to protect
and preserve the scene.
Steps may include:
 Initial investigation
 Prevent access to scenes
 Use of specialist services
such as forensics, SOCO.
3.5 Gather all available
material, retain and record
in line with current
legislation and policy.
Examples of material may
include:
 Information
 Objects
 Identity of potential
witnesses
 Third party material.
3.6 Identify and prioritise all
lines of enquiry (eg
suspects, witnesses,
victims, forensic/scientific,
intelligence, property,
technology).
Lines of enquiry may include:
 Witnesses/victims
 Suspects
 Forensic/scientific
 Intelligence
 Property.
3.7 Identify and take steps to
deal with any suspects.
Steps to deal with suspects
may include:
 Witness interviews
 Scene enquiries
 Forensic results
 Identification procedures
 Arrest
 Interview and charge.
3.8 Deal with persons in
custody diligently and
expeditiously, ensuring the
custody officer is kept
informed of progress to
reach a decision on
disposal.
This may include:
 Carrying out searches
 Interview procedures
 Charge and bail decisions
 Liaison with external
agencies including CPS.
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Learning Outcomes
4
4
Be able to complete and
submit documentation
relating to priority and
volume investigations.
Assessment Criteria
Knowledge, understanding
and skills
3.9 Ensure that victims,
witnesses and families are
kept informed, and
provided with any
necessary support and
protection.
Support may include:
 Updating re the progress of
the investigation
 Referral to support
agencies
 Support for court
attendance
 Referral to compensation
agencies.
3.10 Demonstrate whilst
conducting an
investigation that their
actions
 are lawful
 promote equality and
respect diversity
 are communicated
effectively.
This may include:
 Knowledge and application
of P.A.C.E. & Codes of
Practice
 The principles of equality
and diversity
 How to treat individuals
according to their needs.
4.1 Fully document all actions
taken in accordance with
current policy and
legislation.
Documents may include:
 Pocket note book
 Organisation specific
reports
 Command and control
recording systems.
4.2 Prepare and submit case
files in compliance with
legislation and the manual
of guidance for file
completion.
Examples of case files may
include:
 Expedited
 Remand
 Full
 Advice.
4.3 Prepare evidence for
presentation to courts and
other hearings.
Preparation for court may
include:
 Responding to court
warnings
 Making exhibits available
 Supplying additional
evidence to court
 Confirm attendance if
witnesses and victims
 Appropriate personal
behaviour.
4.4 Pass on any information
and intelligence that may
be relevant to other
investigations, promptly, to
the appropriate person or
department.
Information and intelligence
may include:
 Court decisions
 Individuals attending court.
© OCR 2010
Assessment
Knowledge Element
Application of knowledge should be demonstrated in a learning and development environment prior
to application in the workplace.
Workplace Assessment:
Competence must be practically demonstrated on two occasions in the workplace.
Guidance on assessment and evidence requirements
Candidates must produce their own work and assessors use a range of assessment methods.
Candidates may provide evidence of knowledge and understanding prior to, or during the
assessment phase.
You should refer to the ‘Admin Guide: Vocational Qualifications (A850)’ for Notes on Preventing
Computer-Assisted Malpractice.
Details of relationship between the unit and national occupational standards
Unit CI101, AA1, AB1, AE1, AF1, CA1.
Additional information
For further information regarding administration for this qualification, please refer to the OCR
document ‘Admin Guide: Vocational Qualifications’ (A850).
© OCR 2010
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